Food security of genetically modified crops: The roles of the states in malaysia and indonesia to protect farmers' rights

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been introduced as an answer to hunger and malnutrition; they are said to provide better crops and to be more nutritious. At the same time, they imply possible risks to human health and access to food. They also affect environment and biodiversity. Human rights are interdependent and indivisible; rights to health, adequate food, healthy environment, democratic participation and informed choice all affect each other in this case. A holistic view should be applied when looking for solutions to hunger and more efficient farming methods. The inequality embedded in current seed market system should be addressed. GM crops are an especially delicate issue, as it implies so many valuable things: biodiversity, food security, cultural meanings and the basis of nutrition. Civil society is rightfully concerned about the right to food. GM application can only take place, if it is largely accepted in the society. This paper examines the state' responsible in Malaysia and Indonesia for realization of rights to food. This paper proposes that right to food can actually be used as an instrument for aspiring food sovereignty, if the states sustainably recognise the right to food and the development of this GM crops.